What to do to at least slow down this energy-devouring trend? Turning the thing off in developed nations with alternative ways to beat the heat is a starter, and making these alternatives so cool that air conditioning stops being an aspirational item for the developing population should be the following step.

In this line of thinking, re-designing the fan is not a small thing, and it's encouraging to see a designer from below the Equator giving it a go.

Fan(c)Fan is a creation by Costa Rican Marco Gallegos (↬DIconexiones), who sought to reinvent the pedestal fan by changing its typical scale and materials.

The single tube leg is replaced with a beautiful, tall wooden tripod, which holds an iron frame taken to its minimal expression. Its metal blades are replaced with wooden ones and designed to make efficient use of air.